Stirling & TrossachsDistrict Scouts

Invertrossachs

Activity Centre

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I am pleased to say that we have shown good growth in the recent census especially in the Explorer and Young Leader Units where we now total over 109 young people.

With Growth in all sections including Scouts, we now need to look at opening a new Explorer Unit in the central Stirling area in order to provide opportunities and capacity for Scouts moving to Explorers. Whilst we haven't finalised details as to location and timings we know that we need to open a unit soon.

If you or anyone you know would like to take on an additional role or would like to move / change roles to become an Explorer Unit Leader, Asst Explorer Unit Leader, or Explorer Unit assistant please can you email initially This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are not familiar with what an Explorer Unit is then this may help you understand and decide if you would like to be involved

A group of Explorer Scouts is called a Unit and is part of the District’s provision of Scouting. The key to running a successful Explorer Unit is flexibility.

With the support, direction and guidance of Unit leaders, Explorer Scouts are encouraged to lead themselves, design their own programme and work towards the top awards that Scouting offers. With exciting prospects like being a part of camps and expeditions both home and abroad; adventurous activities such as mountaineering, parascending and off shore sailing; Explorers offers fun and adventure for all.

50 Scouts from across Stirling and Trossachs District survived the annual winter camp experience. Activities included meeting Clover, a search and rescue dog from Ochil Mountain Rescue, sponsored by Sneyd WonderDog food. We also tried Archery, Pioneering, Tomahawk throwing, fire lighting and strategy games. On Saturday evening we had a large wide game, campfire and quiz.

I am proud to say on behalf of the District that Ben Rowley and the Drench Team successfully plannned and delivered an amazing event for Scouts and Explorers from all 4 districts in Forth Region this weekend.

With the purchase of 10 Personal Floatation Devices (Buoyancy Aids) size XXS, this opens up the opportunity of running a bell boating activity for Beaver Scouts. The new PFDs are a smaller fit and have leg straps, which will stop them riding up and possibly over the head of the wearer, if immersed. According to the manufacturer they will fit most 6 – 10 year olds.

This mean that MOST beavers should now be able to take part in a bell boating activity, but beaver leaders should be aware that even these small PFDs may not fit tightly enough on smaller beavers. All bell boat helms have been advised that they must not take out anyone whose PFD does not fit properly, so beaver leaders considering this as an activity should make this clear to beavers/parents in advance to avoid disappointment.

Please note below the local rules that will apply when taking beavers bell boating.

Bell Boating – Beavers

1 : 1 adult / beaver ratio (not including the helm) is to be maintained at all times. Each adult should be able to swim and has sole responsibility for the beaver in his/her charge. A Young Leader is not classed as an adult.

A minimum of 5 adults, plus helm, must be in the boat.

Beavers must wear an approved scout PFD with leg straps. It must be snug fitting. Small beavers will not be allowed to go out if the PFD does not fit properly.

A bell boat containing any beavers must remain within the B1 limit.

The Bell Boat helm is to ensure that conditions are suitable – Wind speed no stronger than Force 2; i.e. light winds with the surface of the loch rippled with small wavelets.

Over 150 scouts supported by 50 leaders from across Stirling, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Falkirk, took part in a giant outdoor event based on the Monopoly board game.

The scouts were all in patrols (teams) and there were bases throughout the Stirling from the Thistle Centre to the Castle. The scouts could choose which base to visit and take part in the activity and be awarded Scoutopoly money. The patrol with the most Scoutopoly money being the winner.

Scoutopoly (Monopoly) money was awarded for completing the challenges, for teamwork and entertainment.

The bases were all different, some used scouting skills such as using stoves or pitching tents, others concentrated on teaching about Stirling’s history using quizzes or photographs and some were for fun like Giant Kerplunk, or movie charades.

Everyone finished at the Kings Park, where the scouts and leaders all relaxed with a BBQ, which was supplied by the Scout Active Support Unit. This is a group of ex members who help us at various special events. While burgers were consumed the results were analysed. The scouts and leaders all had fun in the spring sunshine and the winning Patrol was from Stirling (7th Beechwood troop), while 2nd and 3rd places patrols went to Falkirk based groups.